RPL What about the French Case ? Seminar for Bologna and Higher education experts : The social dimension of HE 22-24 Nov 2010 Sylvie BONICHON Basile SIRCOGLOU French Bologna experts

What is French VAE It is the recognition of informal and formal prior learning acquired in various situations ( professionnal, social, voluntary commitment experiences) It is an individual right written in the French law that entitles people to gain part of or full qualification

History… Four important dates and decrees: 1934 Procedure for people who had been working in engineering fields for at least 5 years 1985 VAPP ( Validation des acquis personnels et professionnels) just for HE This recognition enables candidates who wouldn’t have the entrance required diploma or qualification, to get direct entry to a level of studies in HE

History… 1992 ……A step towards VAE 2002 - 5 years of experience required - grants only part of a diploma Cancelled and replaced by the 2002 decree.

History 2002 Two systems of recognition - VAE for those who have at least a 3-year professional or professional-like experience - VES for students who have got a qualification that is not a French university diploma These two systems give the possibility to obtain part of or a full diploma

History The two systems were implemented in a whole national context of social modernisation of the French system of education This context has led to the creation of the National Register for Professional Certification ( RNCP), which is our National Qualification Framework

Means and tools Our register (RNCP) in which each qualification is not only described in an academic format but also with learning outcomes and accessible jobs profiles. This register makes the process of VAE a lot easier for candidates and jurys Guidance for applicants Admission files Experience Portfolio At the national there are also level working groups sharing experiences and tools

Financial context It depends on the candidates’ profiles - workers : the process can be financed by companies who also have the obligation to grant normally paid days off to the candidates - job seekers : the process is financed by regional collectivities or social state services

Some figures In 2008, in Higher Education 4,309 VAE Validation for qualifications - 49% fully awarded - 41 % at master level 18,474 VAPP Validation for access